LOVE of the GAME The Pursuit of Sporting Excellence Forges Deep Bonds By Jake Ten Pas Photos by Brandon Davis Whether it’s referred to as “Galentine’s” or “Palentine’s” Day, the concept of celebrating a range of important relationships on Feb. 14 is nothing new. Anyone who grew up in the ‘80s or later likely bought Valentines for everyone in their grade school class, regardless of which student(s) they were crushing on. So, it seems fitting that members express their adoration of those who make them love their club community even more, whether it’s friends, family, or spouses. For everyone who feels a deep affection for a particular sport, chances are good there’s at least one other person who took it upon themselves to stoke the fires of that athletic romance. This isn’t necessarily a selfless labor of love, though. As the handball, racquetball, and tennis enthusiasts in this article attest, developing potential tournament partners and capable competitors is a gift they give their future selves. Whatever motivates such dedication to shared interests, the payoff is at least twofold. Players get better, and friendships invariably form. The resulting recreation and competition carve their initials into the heart of the club community, and at an institution that’s been beating strong for more than 130 years, that guarantees that the collective legacy created lasts longer than the memory of who won or lost.
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